The Best Elementor Alternatives You Should Try
March 25, 2023
Elementor vs Beaver Builder vs BeBuilder: Which is better?
March 25, 2023With so many page builders on the market, you may be wondering which to choose. This article comparing Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. BeBuilder will help you decide.
The page builder plugins' drag-and-drop feature makes creating and maintaining your WordPress website easier.
Many popular WordPress themes offer page builders, but you can also access them independently.
Some people find many page builders either too basic or too complex for their needs. So it's critical to scrutinize each page builder plugin before deciding which one is best for you.
An Overview of Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. Muffin Live
The Elementor Page Builder
Elementor is a software company that provides website development services. Are you looking for a free drag-and-drop page builder?
The Elementor page builder is a website builder that lets WordPress users design, build, and edit their websites via the drag-drop feature.
Elementor stands out because it helps you create high-quality web pages live via your site's frontend. The free version lets you edit live, use drag and drop elements, and preview your changes in real-time.
Besides its live mode, where you see your edits in real-time, Elementor records the history of all your site's pages' changes. It also features unique elements and a vast library of premade templates.
The WPBakery Page Builder
WPBakery, a popular premium page builder plugin formerly known as Visual composer, lets you build and manage your WordPress site's content in minutes without coding.
This page builder plugin helps you control your website and design its layout via the drag-and-drop feature.
The great thing about this page builder is that it's easy to use even if you have no technical and programming experience.
The BeBuilder
The BeBuilder is the ideal drag-and-drop page builder for those that pay attention to detail, and it's a native page builder for Betheme.
BeBuilder lets you split pages into different working sections, allowing you to add colors, layouts, and building blocks to each section.
With BeBuilder, you can clone sections to reduce your workload by choosing from its 600+ layouts and easily adding items to your pages. You'll be more than satisfied with all its available options.
Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. Muffin Live: The Interface
Elementor's User Interface
WordPress has two default UIs that you can use to build your websites—WordPress Customizer and WordPress Editor.
WordPress Customizer is handy for personalizing your website's appearance. For instance, you can quickly change fonts and colors.
WordPress Editor creates new posts and pages, and its latest version is the Gutenberg or block editor.
Activating Elementor Pro adds a third user interface to WordPress. This feature gives you another way to customize your site and create posts and pages.
WPBakery's User Interface
The WPBakery page builder features both a visual frontend and backend editor. So you have the option to use either interface.
Like Elementor, the WPBakery page builder puts all its settings in a pop-up or sidebar. Then to find the desired elements in WPBakery, click on the plus icon, enabling you to access the element table.
WPBakery's inline editing functionality stands apart as different as all edits are done in a pop-up.
BeBuilder's User Interface
The Muffin Live builder is part of one of the top 10 WordPress themes globally. More than 234,000 licenses have been sold to date.
This huge success is partially due to Muffin Live's team going the extra mile to ensure that this visual builder's interface is the best.
Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. Muffin Live: Target Audience
The Elementor Page Builder's Primary Users
This tool is best suited for web designers who want an easy-to-use page builder. Its primary users are:
- Web designers
- Photographers
- Marketers
- SMBs
- Agencies
- Developers
The WPBakery Page Builder's Primary Users
The WPBakery page builder is primarily for newbies who want to build their pages from scratch.
The Muffin Page Builder's Primary Users
Muffin Live's primary users are:
- Business owners
- Web developers
- Web designers
Support for Elementor, Muffin & WPBakery Page Builders
Support for Elementor
The Elementor page builder's support comes through:
- Video tutorials
- Help center
- FAQ page
- Knowledgebase
Elementor Pro provides 24/7 support and developer resources for using the API.
You can also get help through the Facebook and GitHub communities. Here like-minded individuals share code references, answers, and design inspiration.
BeBuilder Support
The Muffin builder users have access to top-of-the-line 24/7 support. There is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a Betheme Options and Features step-by-step guidebook.
You can submit a ticket and receive an answer within 24 hours or use the Muffin Live support forum for additional support.
WPBakery Support
When it comes to WPBakery, you'll find ample support. The official WPBakery page builder site has extensive documentation for every plugin feature.
It also provides articles for developers who want more customization capabilities. Support is also available through a ticket system as long as you can verify your license.
WPBakery offers support for six months with your purchase of the page builder. And you can extend support for another six months.
Muffin, WPBakery & Elementor Page Builder Features
Muffin Live's Features
This page builder offers over 650 WordPress landing pages and pre-built website templates. It includes pre-built sections you can use to create any website for any purpose.
With the Muffin Live page builder, importing premade pages and sections is straightforward.
One-Click Import
Simply copy the page's or section's URL you desire and paste it into the import section, and it will import within seconds.
Speed
This interface's speed is amazing and never lags during loading or editing—also, websites built with Muffin load just as quickly.
Intuitive Editing Tool
You can make edits efficiently, thanks to a superbly organized toolbar with Styles, Settings, and Advanced all on the same tab.
Fast Turnaround Time
Use this Live Builder to create your website in an average of four hours.
Autosave and Revisions
Muffin will automatically save your progress to avoid losing anything if you forget to hit the save button.
Drag-and-Drop Pre-Built Section
Each premade section is built with simplicity and consistency in mind. Select the one that suits you best with the highly developed filter option.
WPBakery Page Builder's Features
The WPBakery page builder is often lumped together with other popular WordPress themes. But WPBakery stands out from other page builders because of its many available add-ons and enhancements.
You can do so much with the over 200 add-ons, from slick CSS animations to improving your WooCommerce product pages. Here are some of WPBakery's additional features that make it simple for all users:
Intuitive Frontend and Backend Editor
Instantly see all your changes and edits in the layout using the famous WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor.
Finder Tool
This search bar tool lets you quickly navigate between pages and dashboard settings.
Multiple Themes
When changing your theme, there is no need to switch from one builder to another.
Responsive WP Websites
This page builder instantly adjusts your website to fit various devices. You can also view it in the browser window.
Downloadable Templates
Download any number of templates to design and build your website in no time.
Create Customized Layouts
This page builder offers backgrounds, Twitch colors, padding, and so much more.
Elementor's Main Features
Elementor started as a page editor. But, the premium version, Elementor Pro, does more. Here are some of its exceptional features:
Elementor Drag-and-Drop Editor
Elementor's drag and drop editor is fast and intuitive.
Designer Templates
Elementor gives you 300+ amazing designer templates to build and customize websites for any industry or need.
Responsive Editing
The Elementor page builder allows you to tweak each element so that your website will display beautifully on any device.
Elementor's Pop-Up Builder
This pop-up builder helps you create pixel-perfect pop-ups for your home or exit pages.
Theme Builder
Do you want to edit every part of your site without coding? The Elementor Theme Builder will help you do just that.
WooCommerce Builder
Use the WooCommerce builder to control your store and make your dreams come true.
Navigator Feature
Elementor's navigator feature allows you to move along, within, and across page elements or layers.
Zero Coding
Each page is compact and optimized for any device.
Full Site Editor
Elementor's full site editor lets you design your whole website from one place, and that includes your header, footer, and content.
Hotkeys
Hotkeys are shortcuts on your keyboard, saving time by performing specific actions.
Each Page Builder's Customization Capabilities
Elementor's Customization Options
Elementor Pro can customize post archives, headers, and footers. It can also customize other site areas outside the post and page content area.
That makes Elementor Pro a true WordPress website builder instead of just a page builder or content editor. Some of Elementor's fundamental elements are:
- Background customization
- Padding
- Customizing colors and fonts
- Shape dividers
- Animators
- Margins
WPBakery's Customization Options
All of WPBakery's content elements are fully responsive. You can customize each content element to your liking, change borders, margins, or padding.
WPBakery has all the basic features of other page builders. Some of its basic elements include:
- Several animations
- Padding
- Margins
- Background customization
- Shape dividers
- Custom fonts and colors
Muffin's Customization Options
This tool includes real-time responsive customization. It can be time-consuming to switch back and forth between the frontend and backend editor to see how your edits display on your site.
Are you looking for a live builder that lets you make and view edits in real-time without having to switch tabs? If yes, this is the tool for you.
You can also switch between a tablet, desktop, and mobile view with one click to make necessary changes easily.
Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. Muffin Live: Available Elements
The Elementor Page Builder Plugin
This visual composer or website builder features 80+ different elements, and its pricing table explains more about each pricing option.
It features a separator, flip box, animated headlines, and external WooCommerce elements. You can use Elementor add-ons for more elements.
The WPBakery Page Builder Plugin
Everything you need, including this premium page builder, is included with your Betheme license. It features 60+ items, a wide array of items so diverse you can quickly create precisely what you need.
The item library is constantly being expanded based on the suggestions of users like you. You can add, edit, and move as you please—either visually or from the dashboard. Muffin Live's elements include:
- Video
- Timeline
- Meet the Team
- Opening hours
- Advanced map
- Basic map
- Infobox
- How it works
- Hover color
- Feature list
- Fancy heading
- Fancy divider
- Contact box
- Call to Action
Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. Muffin Live: Pricing
Costs Associated With Elementor
Elementor offers two versions—a paid and a free version. The paid edition has more widgets and greater functionality than the free version.
You can download Elementor's free version from the WordPress plugin repository.
To access all of the Elementor features and functionality mentioned in this article, buy Elementor Pro, a free version add-on.
Elementor Pro costs $49 per year for one website, $199 per year for 25 sites, $499 per year for 100 sites, and $999 per year for 1,000 sites.
For some, these prices may seem a bit expensive. But, this tool's high-quality functions make it worth every dollar you spend.
The WPBakery Plugin Fees
WPBakery doesn't offer a free version, so acquiring a WPBakery license will cost $56 for one site.
This fee also covers six months of support and lifetime updates. Paying a $299 fee will get you a SaaS application.
WPBakery comes free with most themes from ThemeForest. And some themes are often less expensive than a single page builder.
Since several themes also come with other premium plugins, such as Slider Revolution, it may be better to go for the theme that includes the page builder you want.
BeBuilder's Cost
The BeBuilder and BeTheme's pre-built sections and templates are not gated, meaning you pay a one-time fee of $59. This fee includes a WordPress package containing:
- Muffin Woo Builder
- BeBuilder 3 (the backend builder)
- 600+ pre-built websites
- BeBuilder
These Visual Page Builders's Editing Capabilities
The WPBakery Page Builder Plugin
When it comes to frontend editing, WPBakery may be the slowest plugin. It is slower than the Gutenberg editor or their classic editor.
But this visual composer and website builder's backup is an ideal alternative tool. It features backend editing to substitute frontend editing.
The Elementor Page Builder Plugin
The Elementor pop-up builder has several editing features, some of which exist in Word processing programs. These include the redo/undo feature that lets you undo mistakes or redo an action using a keyboard shortcut or button.
Elementor has a WYSIWYG interface that shows you a realistic live view of your page.
However, you can preview your page any time without Elementor controls. That allows you to see a true reflection of your visitors' experience. This tool also offers:
- Global widget
- Inline editing
- Copy style
- Copy-paste
- Draft mode
- Revision history
- Autosave
- Shortcut cheat sheet
- Dark mode (saving power)
The Muffin Live Page Builder Plugin
This live editor is super lightweight. You'll finish in no time when creating web pages or WordPress websites.
According to Betheme developers, the Live Builder is 60% faster than the previous version.
What is more, unlike other premium WordPress page builders, this live builder does not lag when you open a page.
The faster, the better because speed is crucial, especially when loading a page. The Core Web Vitals tool checks a website's ranking factors, including loading speed.
This tool compared the loading speed of a BeMechanic website built with Elementor vs. the same website built with BeBuilder. And, of course, Muffin won.
FAQ about the Elementor vs WPBakery
What is the difference between Elementor and WPBakery?
Drag-and-drop page builders for WordPress like Elementor and WPBakery are both very popular. The main difference between the two is how the editing and user interface work. WPBakery's interface is more traditional and crowded, while Elementor's is more modern and easy to use. WPBakery is known for being simple and easy to use, while Elementor has more advanced features and ways to change things.
Which page builder is better for beginners, Elementor or WPBakery?
Most people think that Elementor is better for beginners because it has an easy-to-use interface, a drag-and-drop editor, and a lot of documentation and tutorials. WPBakery, on the other hand, can be confusing for new users because its interface is cluttered and its settings are hard to understand.
Can I use both Elementor and WPBakery on the same website?
Technically, you can use both Elementor and WPBakery on the same website. But it's not a good idea because it could cause problems with how the two page builders work together.
Which page builder has more templates and pre-designed blocks, Elementor or WPBakery?
Elementor has more templates and blocks that are already made than WPBakery. It also has a wider range of designs and styles from which to choose.
Does Elementor or WPBakery have better performance and speed?
Most people think that Elementor is faster and lighter than WPBakery. It uses less of the server's resources and has better caching systems, so pages load faster.
Which page builder is more customizable, Elementor or WPBakery?
In general, Elementor is easier to change than WPBakery. It has a lot of design options, such as custom CSS, advanced animation effects, and content that changes on the fly.
Is Elementor or WPBakery more expensive?
There are paid plugins for both Elementor and WPBakery, but Elementor is usually more expensive. The first year of Elementor Pro costs $49, while a regular license for WPBakery costs $64.
Which page builder is better for SEO, Elementor or WPBakery?
Both Elementor and WPBakery are search engine optimization (SEO) friendly and let you make your pages work better for search engines. Elementor, on the other hand, has more advanced SEO features, such as custom meta tags, schema markup, and the ability to work with popular SEO plugins.
Are there any compatibility issues with Elementor or WPBakery and other plugins or themes?
Both Elementor and WPBakery can work with most themes and plugins for WordPress. But some plugins or themes may not work well with each other, so it's always a good idea to test them first.
Which page builder has better support and documentation, Elementor or WPBakery?
Both Elementor and WPBakery have a lot of information, including documentation, tutorials, and help forums. But Elementor has a more active community and better customer support, with faster response times and more personalized help.
Ending thoughts on Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. BeBuilder
Choosing a WordPress page builder plugin can be challenging. A problem you may encounter is upgrading to access features you need.
You may already be paying for a premium theme and have no desire to spend even more for more needed design and editing features.
With BeTheme, you can avoid this problem because this premium page builder includes everything you need.
The Muffin Live visual page builder from BeTheme is the best choice for a WordPress web designer. You will love the fast-loading and easily accessible features, settings, and intuitive design.
If you enjoyed reading this article on Elementor vs. WPBakery vs. BeBuilder, you should check out this one about
using a WooCommerce page builder or this one with Elementor alternatives.
We also wrote about a few product comparisons like Elementor vs Beaver Builder, Elementor vs Divi, Elementor vs Wix, Elementor vs Oxygen, or Elementor vs Gutenberg.
